Systems and methods related to layout of decorative elements

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods related to the selection and arrangement of decorative elements. The system includes a tray having at least one simulation cavity which replicates the dimensions of an actual article of jewelry. The method includes selecting various decorative elements and arranging them within the at least one cavity to sample various arrangements, then placing the decorative elements in the article of jewelry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuality is a cornerstone in the fashion and accessories industries. More particularly, it is becoming more and more desirable to pick specific decorative element(s) to include in a piece of jewelry that symbolizes a person's favorite things or activities, or just because it looks pretty. Examples of this can be seen in fashion accessories such as charm bracelets and charm-filled lockets.

It is not uncommon to have parties or gatherings in which a multitude of different decorative elements are on display from which one can choose to include in a certain piece of jewelry. For instance, in the case of a locket, a person can choose a plurality of decorative elements to place inside of the locket. Further, various shapes and sizes of lockets provide for various configurations of different shaped and sized decorative elements. The decorative element selection process may prove difficult or at least more cumbersome if one cannot efficiently determine if the desired decorative elements will fit within the desired locket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system and method for more efficiently selecting and arranging decorative elements to be placed within an article of jewelry. A tray is provided which comprises at least one cavity replicating the dimensions of an article of jewelry. The invention provides for various trials of arranging decorative elements in the cavity before finalizing the ultimate design to be placed within the article of jewelry.

According to one aspect of a device according to the present invention, a device is provided for arranging decorative elements for placement within a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article, The device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one simulation cavity extends from the first surface towards the second surface, and at least one additional recess extends from the first surface towards the second surface. An aperture is formed through the first and second surfaces, and the at least one simulation cavity is sized and configured to emulate dimensions of the cavity of the predetermined jewelry article.

According to another aspect of a device according to the present invention, the body includes a plurality of simulation cavities extending from the first surface towards the second surface.

According to yet another aspect of a device according to the present invention, the body comprising a plurality of recesses extending from the first surface towards the second surface.

According to still another aspect of a device according to the present invention, each simulation cavity may be substantially the same shape.

According to a further aspect of a device according to the present invention, each simulation cavity may be substantially circular.

According to another aspect of a device according to the present invention, each simulation cavity may have a different volume than each of the other simulation cavities.

According to another aspect of a device according to the present invention, the device may further include a circumferential ridge extending inward into the aperture. The ridge may be disposed closer to the second surface than the first surface. According to another aspect of a device according to the present invention, the body may further include a first side extending between the first surface and the second surface and a channel extending inward from the first side and terminating in a substantially circular terminus, the channel being adapted to receive a drinkware stem. The channel and simulation cavity may be on opposite sides of the aperture.

An embodiment of a method according to the present invention is a method for selecting and arranging decorative elements for placement within a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article. The method includes the steps of providing a tray, selecting at least one of a plurality of decorative elements, placing the selected element in the tray and receiving a jewelry article including the exact element or a replicate thereof. The tray may have a body with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one simulation cavity extending from the first surface towards the second surface, at least one recess extending from the first surface towards the second. surface, and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces. The at least one simulation cavity is sized and configured to emulate dimensions of the cavity of the predetermined jewelry article. Where a plurality of simulation cavities are provided, they may be the same or different shapes and/or sizes. The recess may be configured to receive tools (e.g., tweezers or other tongs-like device) that may be used in performing one or more steps according to the present invention. The selected decorative element may placed within one of the plurality of cavities to indicate a preferred decorative element arrangement. The predetermined jewelry article is then received, which includes a received decorative element arrangement within the cavity of the article, wherein the received decorative element arrangement is at least substantially similar to the preferred decorative element arrangement.

According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, it may include the step of supporting a cup at least partially within the aperture. The method may include the steps of, after the selecting step, placing the at least one selected decorative element into the cup and removing the at least one selected decorative element from the cup. The method may further include the steps of removing one of the decorative elements from one of the simulation cavities and placing the removed decorative element into the cup.

According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, it may include the step of transferring the preferred decorative element arrangement to a geographic location at which the received decorative element arrangement is created.

An embodiment of a device according to the present invention may include a body having a substantially planar first surface extending between a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a left side extending between the front side and the rear side, and a right side opposite the left side and extending between the front side and the rear side, the body having a second surface opposite the first surface. A circular aperture may be formed through the first and second surfaces, wherein a circumferential ridge extends inward into the aperture. A first reentrant circular simulation cavity having a first diameter extends from the first surface towards the second surface, wherein the first simulation cavity may be positioned between the right side and the aperture. A second reentrant circular simulation cavity haying a second diameter also extends from the first surface towards the second surface. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter, and the second simulation cavity may be positioned between the right side and the aperture, and may be between the right side and the first simulation cavity. At least a portion of the second cavity may be located closer to the front side than the first cavity. A third reentrant circular simulation cavity having a third diameter extends from the first surface towards the second surface. The third diameter may be larger than the second diameter. The third simulation cavity may be positioned between the right side and the aperture, and closer to the front side than each of the first and second simulation cavities. A first reentrant recess may be accessible from the first surface and may extend from the first surface towards the second surface. The first recess may be positioned between the left side and the aperture. A second reentrant recess may be accessible from the first surface and may extend from the first surface towards the second surface. The first recess may be positioned between the rear side and the aperture. Each simulation cavity may be sized and configured to emulate dimensions of a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 along lines 2-2 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method. according to the present invention.

FIGS. 7-11B illustrate steps according to the method of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed. without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment 100 of a tray according to the present invention. The tray 100 preferably comprises a body 102, a first simulation cavity 110, a second simulation cavity 120, and a third simulation. cavity 130. It should be noted, however, that the present invention should not be construed as limited to having three cavities 110, 120, 130 as more or fewer cavities are also contemplated. The tray 100 may have other compartments such as a first recess 140, second recess 150, or holes or slots formed therethrough, such as an aperture 160.

The body 102 is preferably sized and configured to support the cavities 110, 120, 130, the first recess 140, the second recess 150, and the aperture 160. As shown here, it may be preferable to place the cavities 110, 120, 130 on one side of the body 102, such as on one side of the aperture 160, for ease of use as will be described further below. The body 102 has a first surface 104, a second surface 106, and a height H as defined as the distance from the second surface 106 through the first surface 104. As shown here, the shape of the body 102 is substantially rectangular; alternatively, other shapes are contemplated. The body 102 is preferably formed from one or more desirable, preferably rigid, materials, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum), wood, and/or plastic (e.g., high impact polystyrene).

The cavities 110, 120, 130 are preferably integrally formed within the body 102 and recessed from the first surface 104 towards the second surface 106 of the body 102. Looking to FIG. 2, each of the cavities 110, 120, 130 preferably has a different diameter D1, D2, D3, respectively, but, with reference to FIG. 3, each cavity 110, 120, 130 has a substantially similar recessed depth of R1.

Preferably the diameters D1, D2, D3 of the cavities 110, 120, 130, respectively, correspond to the diameter D5 of a pocket in similarly shaped articles of jewelry 10 (see FIG. 11A). Additionally or alternatively, the recessed depth R1 is preferably substantially similar to the internal depth R2 of the article of jewelry 10 (see FIG. 11B).

The cavities 110, 120, 130 are depicted here as at least substantially circular. However, other shapes are contemplated. and within the purview of the present invention. As non-limiting examples, at least one of the cavities 110, 120, 130 may be shaped as a heart or other non-circular shape. The cavities may all be of the same shape or of one or more differing shapes. Additionally or alternatively, the cavities 110, 120, 130 may be sized similarly to the size of custom jewelry locket cavities (e.g., lockets offered for sale under the brand name of ORIGAMI OWL®).

Continuing to look at FIGS. 1 and 2, the first recess 140 and the second recess 150 are shown, The first recess 140 may comprise any preferred shape. The first recess 140 is preferably integrally formed within the body 102 and recessed from the first surface 104 towards the second surface 106 of the body 102, and may be located on the side of the body 102 or aperture 160 opposite the plurality of cavities 110, 120, 130.

The second recess 150 is preferably rectangular in shape and is preferably integrally formed within the body 102 and recessed from the first surface 104 towards the second surface 106 of the body 102. As shown here, the second recess 150 may be positioned along one side of the body 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the aperture 160 may be substantially circular and preferably. comprises a ridge 164 projecting inward from the aperture periphery 162 at or near the second surface 106 of the body 102. The ridge 164 may further include a plurality of optional notches 166 spaced approximately 90 degrees apart from each other around. the circumference of the aperture 160.

FIG. 4 shows the tray 100 receiving a cup 20 (sometimes referred to colloquially as a votive candle holder, or simply votive) within the aperture 160. The ridge 164 and the plurality of notches 166 may be designed to accommodate a particular or various forms of cups 20. Alternatively, a cup element or another cavity (not shown) may be integrally formed within the body 102 of the tray 100. The notches 166 may serve as manufacturing reliefs and/or provide for enhanced frictional relief to ease insertion and/or removal of a cup 20 to/from the aperture 160.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment 200 of a tray according to the present invention. Like numbers represent identical or substantially similar elements to those of the first tray embodiment 100. In addition to the elements included in the first embodiment 100, this tray 200 includes a stemware retainer 270 adapted to receive and retain a piece of stemware 30. The stemware retainer 270 preferably has an open-end 272 located on a first side 208 of the body 202, a channel 274 with a width W extending inward into the body 102 from the open-end 272, and ends in a substantially circular terminus 276. The terminus 276 preferably has a diameter D4 greater than the channel width W. As illustrated here, a piece of stemware 30 may enter the stemware retainer 270 at the open-end. 272, move along the channel 274, and be received within the terminus 276.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of a method of selecting and arranging decorative elements to be arranged in an article of jewelry 10. The elements of the flow chart shown in FIG. 6 are further illustrated in FIGS. 7-11. FIG. 7 shows a container 40 with one or more compartments 42 provided, wherein each compartment 42 of the container 40 hosts a plurality of decorative elements 60, FIG. 8 illustrates providing the tray 100, with the cup 20 received within the aperture 160.

Decorative elements 60 are selected (step 601) from the container 40 (FIG. 7) and placed (step 602) within the cup 20 in the tray 100 (FIG. 8). This step may be achieved by picking the decorative elements 60 from the compartments 42 with a tweezers 50 (or any tongs-like device) as shown or with fingers 52. The selected decorative elements 60 are then removed from the cup 20 (step 603), again with the tweezers 50 or fingers 52, and placed (step 604) within at least one cavity 110, 120, 130 (FIG. 9), until the preferred decorative elements 60 are positioned in at least one of the cavities 110, 120, 130. If decorative elements 60 are no longer desired in a final layout, they may be removed (optional step 605) from the respective cavity and returned to the cup 20 or the container 40. This method provides a user with the ability to test out various decorative elements 60 and various placements and arrangements of the decorative elements 60 within a replication of the cavity of the article of jewelry 10 (FIGS. 11A and 11B). As some lockets may necessitate that the decorative elements 60 not overlap within the article of jewelry 10, this step allows the user to sample different decorative elements 60 in different arrangements. The selecting step 603, placing step 604 and/or removing step 605 may be repeated until the preferred decorative elements 60 are selected and a preferred arrangement of the decorative elements 60 is achieved. FIG. 9 illustrates each cavity 110, 120, 130 having decorative elements 60 positioned therein; however, if more than one cavity is provided, not every cavity 110, 120, 130 must be utilized.

After the preferred decorative elements 60 are placed and arranged in at least one of the cavities 110, 120, 130 (FIG. 10), the tray 100 may be transferred to a location at which the arrangement of decorative elements 60 are noted and/or placed within an article of jewelry 10 (FIGS. 11A and 11B), preferably in accord with the design having first been laid out in the respective cavity. The location at which the elements 60 are placed within the article 10 may be at the same general geographic site (e.g., in the same building or on the same piece of real property) where the selection and arrangement of the decorative elements 60 occurred. Alternatively, the placement of elements 60 in an article 10 having a cavity substantially corresponding to the size and shape of a respective cavity 110, 120, 130 may occur at a different geographic site. Regardless of assembly location, the jewelry article 10 is received (step 606) including the decorative element(s) 60, or simulations or reproductions thereof, that were placed in step 604. The decorative element(s) 60 provided in the jewelry article 10 may be loose within the article 10 or affixed to the article 10 and/or affixed to other decorative element (a) 60 provided.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a finished article of jewelry 10. As seen here, too article of jewelry 10 contains the decorative elements 60 as arranged in the first simulation cavity 110 of FIG. 10.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 

I claim:
 1. A device for arranging decorative elements for placement within a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article, the device comprising: a body having a first surface and a second. surface opposite the first surface; at least one simulation cavity extending from the first surface towards the second surface; at least one recess extending from the first surface towards the second surface; and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces, wherein the at least one simulation cavity is sized and configured to emulate dimensions of the cavity of the predetermined jewelry article.
 2. A device according to claim 1, the body comprising a plurality of simulation cavities extending from the first surface towards the second. surface.
 3. A device according to claim 2, the body comprising a plurality of recesses extending from the first surface towards the second surface,
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein each simulation cavity is substantially the same shape.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein each simulation cavity is substantially circular.
 6. The device of claim 3, wherein each simulation cavity has a different volume than each of the other simulation cavities.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a circumferential ridge extending inward into the aperture.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the ridge is disposed closer to the second surface than the first surface.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises: a first side extending between the first surface and the second surface; and a channel extending inward from the first side and terminating in a substantially circular terminus, the channel adapted to receive a drinkware stem.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the channel and the simulation cavity are on opposite sides of the aperture.
 11. A method for selecting and arranging decorative elements for placement within a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tray having a body with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one simulation cavity extending from the first surface towards the second surface, at least one recess extending from the first surface towards the second surface, and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces, wherein the at least one simulation cavity is sized and configured to emulate the dimensions of the cavity of the predetermined jewelry article; selecting at least one of a plurality of decorative elements; placing the at least one selected decorative element within one of the plurality of cavities to indicate a preferred decorative element arrangement; and receiving the predetermined jewelry article including a received decorative element arrangement within the cavity of the article, wherein the received decorative element arrangement is at least substantially similar to the preferred decorative element arrangement.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of supporting a cup at least partially within the aperture.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of after the selecting step: placing the at least one selected decorative element into the cup; and removing the at least one selected decorative element from the cup.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: removing one of the decorative elements from one of the simulation cavities; and placing the removed decorative element into the cup.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of transferring the preferred decorative element arrangement to a geographic location at which the received decorative element arrangement is created.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of simulation cavities are of various sizes,
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of simulation cavities are of various shapes.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of recesses is sized to receive tongs.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the selecting and placing steps are performed with the tongs.
 20. A device for arranging decorative elements for placement within a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article, the device comprising: a body having a substantially planar first surface extending between a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a left side extending between the front side and the rear side, and a right side opposite the left side and extending between the front side and the rear side, the body having a second surface opposite the first surface; a circular aperture formed through the first and second. surfaces, wherein a circumferential ridge extends inward. into the aperture; a first reentrant circular simulation cavity having a first diameter, the first simulation cavity extending from the first surface towards the second. surface, wherein the first simulation cavity is positioned between the right side and the aperture; a second reentrant circular simulation cavity having a second diameter, the second simulation cavity extending from the first surface towards the second surface and the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, wherein the second simulation cavity is positioned between the right side and the aperture, and between the right side and the first simulation cavity; a third reentrant circular simulation cavity having a third diameter, the third simulation cavity extending from the first surface towards the second surface and the third diameter being larger than the second diameter, wherein the third simulation cavity is positioned between the right side and the aperture, and closer to the front side than each of the first and second simulation cavities; a first reentrant recess extending from the first surface towards the second surface, the first recess being positioned between the left side and the aperture; and a second reentrant recess extending from the first surface towards the second surface, the second recess being positioned between the rear side and the aperture; wherein each simulation cavity is sized and. configured to emulate dimensions of a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article. 